Authors note:

"Up Against The Wall" – Boys Like Girls

Chapter 36

Coming Together

Sapphire: I guess the Mallrats have left.

Mega: I think so too.

The Mall was empty. Sapphire locked it all up and then the two of them left.

Mega: What were you just doing?

Sapphire: Securing the mall. We'll return one day and when that day comes I don't want some other tribe living in there.

Mega: Good planning.

Two large, muscular men came in front of the pair.

Man 1: And what have we got here?

Man 2: Looks like some good little slaves…

Sapphire: So you're slavetraders? So nice to meet you.

Man 1: Not half as nice as meeting you pretty girl. You can stay with us for a while. But your pal here will be one of our first new slaves.

Sapphire: I don't think so (kicks him in the worst spot for a boy)

Man 3: (grabs Sapphire from behind) Nice try girlie, too bad it didn't work.

Man 2: Let's get them in the van. You alright Q?

Q: Yeah, I think I'll be alright. She's a sharp kicker.

Amber: Where do you think the boat's going?

Lex: Who knows? Is there any way to steer this thing?

Carl: Yes, but do you even know where you want to go?

Salene: Do you have some sort of map or something?

Carl: No, do I look like the kind of person who has some sort of map or something?

May: Chillax, it was just a question.

Amber: Look, we don't know where it's going but at least we're out of the City safe and sound, away from the virus.

Ellie: Ruby, are you alright? You've been awfully quiet.

Ruby: I don't want to talk about it, just leave me alone. (turns head away)

Ellie: Okay, I was just… trying to help…

Slade is standing on the other side of the boat, looking out over the vast ocean.

Ebony: Slade, are you-

Slade: Don't even ask, okay Ebony?

Ebony: But I-

Slade:I just lost my brother, I know you didn't like him, but he was my brother and I loved him and he's dead.

Ebony: I know I-

Slade: And Ruby's having my baby and I've got to be there for her because last time I wasn't there for- never mind.

Ebony: Last time you weren't there for what?

Slade: I said never mind! Now let me brood in peace.

Sammy: I'm glad you made it to the boat Lottie.

Lottie: Thanks Sammy. Are you sad to be leaving?

Sammy: Yes, because I don't know if we'll come back. And we're leaving some people behind.

Lottie: Like who?

Sammy: Mouse. I might never see her again for real. At least when I was in the City, in the Mall she knew where to find me and she was close by so I could search for her. She was like my little sister and best friend all in one.

Lottie: You know, I could be your best friend Sammy.

Sammy: I'd like a new best friend.

Lottie: Good, 'cause I'd like one too.

Tally: So what was Mouse like?

Charlie: Cute and small and devious and caring.

Tally: Do you miss her?

Charlie: All the time.

Tally: You've got me now…

Charlie: Yes, I do, but you're not a sister. You're still cute though.

Tally: (blushes) Thanks.

Andy: Hey, you two! Want to come play soccer with us? Some of the other girls are playing too Tally.

Charlie: M'lady? (offers her a hand to help her stand)

Tally: (takes the hand) Thank you, you kind gentlemen (curtsies)

Andy: Hurry up over there!

But Andy suddenly drops the ball and races over to where Ryan, Cloe, Patsy and Leo had entered the camp. He hugs Ryan around the stomach and soon Tally has joined him.

Tally: So glad you're back.

Andy: So very glad.

Tally: Is Alice coming too?

Patsy: Not yet guys, but soon hopefully.

Patch: Patsy, it's so good you're back. I've got news.

Patsy: Really?

Patch: Yes, about K.C. and Alice. We know where they are. But the hard thing is to get there. And good news for Paul too- we've cracked the system but all other computers seem to be offline. Where is Paul?

Dee: Out by the road, with Bray.

Patch: By the road? Isn't it dangerous?

Dee: No, the Technos have fallen.

Patch: Fallen?

Dee: Collapsed, Boom, Ka-Put.

Cloe: What?

Sapphire: Stay off me you oversized sweaty Ape.

Man 3: And I thought you liked me. Guys you know what? I think we should play dress ups with this doll. Anyone have any skirts we can put on her? You know, the short kind?

Man 3, Sapphire and Josh were all sitting in the back of a van. Man 1 and Man 2 were in the front driving. They both laughed at Man 3's suggestive remark.

Man 1: Maybe later.

Man 2: Each of us can have a turn taking one piece of clothing off and putting another piece on her, you all agree?

Man 3: Sounds good to me!

Sapphire: You're all repulsive, disgusting pieces of-

Man 1: Go any further sweetheart and we might not treat you so nicely while we do it.

Josh: Sophie, just stay calm, okay?

Sapphire looked at her feet.

The van suddenly came to a halt.

Man 3: What's going on?

Man 2: A hold up.